Vedan
Vedan (born Hirandas Murali, October 25, 1994) is an Indian rapper, songwriter, and lyricist from Thrissur, Kerala, widely recognized for his contributions to Malayalam hip-hop through politically charged tracks that confront caste discrimination, poverty, and social marginalization.[1][2][3] Born to a Sri Lankan Tamil mother from Jaffna who fled violence and sought refuge in India, and a Malayali father from the Pulayan (Dalit) caste, Vedan grew up in the impoverished Swapnabhoomi colony near Thrissur railway station, where he experienced firsthand the effects of caste-based oppression and economic hardship.[1][4] His stage name "Vedan," meaning "hunter" in Malayalam, reflects a nod to the resilience of his marginalized community, drawing from cultural symbols of defiance against systemic exclusion.[2] Influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur, Arivu, and Tamil cinema, he began performing folk-inspired songs as a child before pivoting to rap after the 2018 Kerala floods, using music as a platform to amplify the "voice of the voiceless."[2][1] Vedan's breakthrough came in 2020 with his debut track "Voice of the Voiceless," a raw critique of casteism and colorism that has garnered over 19 million views on YouTube as of November 2025 and established him as a bold figure in Malayalam hip-hop.[1][2][5] He has since released notable songs such as "Kuthanthram" from the 2024 film Manjummel Boys, blending multilingual rap in Malayalam and Tamil to explore socio-political themes, and performed at events like the Para Hip Hop Festival organized by the Kochi Music Foundation.[3][1] His work has earned acclaim for its activist edge, culminating in the Best Lyricist award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards in 2025 for "Kuthanthram," though the honor sparked debate amid ongoing legal scrutiny.[3] Beyond music, Vedan has expressed ambitions to enter filmmaking, continuing to collaborate on projects that highlight Dalit politics and resistance.[2] Despite his rising prominence, Vedan's career has been overshadowed by multiple controversies in 2025, including arrests for alleged sexual assault of women under false pretenses of marriage and relationships, as well as possession of cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs Act.[6][3] He was detained by Thrikkakara police on September 10, 2025, following complaints from a doctor and a music researcher detailing assaults spanning years, but was granted anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court shortly after.[6] An earlier April 2025 arrest by the Forest Department over a leopard tooth pendant—amid claims tying his Sri Lankan heritage to the probe—also drew criticism for alleged bias, with the state government intervening to secure his release on bail.[4] These incidents have fueled public backlash, with activists and figures like writer Joy Mathew decrying a perceived lack of accountability, even as Vedan maintains his focus on advocacy through art.[3]Plot and characters
Plot
The film opens with the assassination of a prominent politician, orchestrated by a henchman under the orders of the ruthless gangster Bhoopathi, who dominates the local criminal underworld. Determined to bring him to justice, Police Commissioner Ganesh assigns the task to Inspector Vijay, a proficient trainee from Scotland Yard, instructing him to infiltrate Bhoopathi's gang and gather evidence for his arrest. Vijay assumes the false identity of Ranjith Kumar, an ex-convict fresh out of prison, and maneuvers his way into the gang's ranks through displays of loyalty and ruthlessness. To accelerate his ascent and secure Bhoopathi's unwavering trust, Vijay devises a scheme involving the staged kidnapping of Bhoopathi's younger sister, Priya. He then executes a daring rescue, single-handedly saving her from the fabricated peril, which catapults him to the position of Bhoopathi's most reliable right-hand man. During his time in the gang, Vijay forms an intense romantic bond with Usha, Ganesh's sister, with their growing affection complicating his covert mission as he grapples with divided loyalties between duty and personal feelings. Key action sequences, such as intense gang skirmishes and high-stakes chases, underscore Vijay's precarious balancing act within the criminal syndicate.[7] Tensions escalate when Bhoopathi's operatives uncover Ganesh's role in the investigation and brutally murder the commissioner, isolating Vijay without any external backup and heightening the risks of his prolonged undercover stint. This event sparks widespread suspicions about Ranjith's authenticity among Bhoopathi's inner circle, culminating in a series of heated confrontations and betrayals that force Vijay into desperate defensive maneuvers. In a pivotal plot twist, during the climactic showdown at Bhoopathi's stronghold, Vijay sheds his alias and reveals his true identity as a police inspector, igniting a fierce battle that exposes the gang's operations and leads to Bhoopathi's ultimate downfall through arrest and the dismantling of his empire. The narrative resolves with Vijay and Usha reuniting, their romance enduring despite the perils, as justice prevails over the criminal reign.Cast
The principal cast of Vedan features R. Sarathkumar in the dual role of Inspector Vijay, a determined Scotland Yard trainee, and his undercover alias Ranjith Kumar, the protagonist who infiltrates a criminal syndicate to dismantle it from within.[8] Khushbu portrays Usha, the love interest to Vijay and sister of a key police figure, providing emotional support amid the escalating conflict. Charan Raj plays Bhoopathi (also spelled Boopathy), the ruthless antagonist don and leader of the notorious gang that Vijay targets, known for ordering high-profile murders. Sarath Babu appears as Ganesh, the police commissioner who assigns the undercover mission and whose involvement heightens the stakes through pivotal actions. Easwari Rao takes on the supporting female role of Priya, Bhoopathi's sister, whose kidnapping becomes a critical plot element in the film's tension.[9] Radha Ravi contributes as an additional antagonist figure in a supporting capacity, enhancing the ensemble of criminal elements opposing the protagonist.[10] No notable cameos or uncredited roles are prominently documented in the film's credits.[11]Production
Development
Vedan began developing his music career in the late 2010s, drawing from personal experiences of caste discrimination and social issues to craft politically charged lyrics. Influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur and Arivu, he transitioned from folk songs to rap following the 2018 Kerala floods, using music to address marginalization. His independent approach emphasizes self-production and collaboration with local artists, focusing on themes of Dalit resistance and social justice.[2] By 2020, he established himself through self-released tracks, building a DIY ethos typical of emerging Malayalam hip-hop scenes.)Filming
Vedan has contributed to film soundtracks, marking his entry into cinematic music production. His debut film track was "Narabali" for the 2021 Malayalam film Nayattu, where he provided lyrics highlighting social tensions. In 2024, he wrote and performed "Kuthanthram" for Manjummel Boys, a multilingual rap blending Malayalam and Tamil that explores socio-political themes and earned him the Best Lyricist award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards in 2025.) These collaborations involved working with film directors and music composers, adapting his rap style to narrative contexts without traditional filming roles, though he appeared in minor acting parts earlier, such as in Kammattipaadam (2016). Production for his film works typically occurs in studios in Kerala, coordinated with post-production timelines for releases.[2]Music
Vedan is recognized for his contributions to Malayalam hip-hop, focusing on themes of caste discrimination, poverty, social marginalization, and resistance through politically charged lyrics. Influenced by artists such as Tupac Shakur, Arivu, and Tamil hip-hop figures like Yogi B and Natchatra, as well as global icons like Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, he blends traditional folk elements with modern rap beats to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.[2] His music often incorporates multilingual elements, including Malayalam and Tamil, reflecting his cultural heritage.[1]Career and style
Vedan began performing folk-inspired songs as a child in Thrissur before transitioning to rap following the 2018 Kerala floods, using music as a tool for social advocacy. His breakthrough came in 2020 with the debut single "Voice of the Voiceless," a critique of casteism and colorism that amassed over 1.8 million views on YouTube, establishing him as a prominent voice in Malayalam hip-hop.[2] He has since released independent tracks and contributed to film soundtracks, collaborating with producers like Hrishi, AZWIN, and composers such as Sushin Shyam and Sam C.S. In 2024, he launched his own label, Karupp Records, to support emerging artists in the genre.)[3] His work earned critical acclaim, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist in 2025 for "Kuthanthram" from the film Manjummel Boys, though the award drew controversy amid personal legal issues.[3] Vedan has performed at events like the Para Hip Hop Festival organized by the Kochi Music Foundation, further promoting activist-oriented hip-hop.[1]Notable releases
Vedan's discography includes independent singles and film songs that explore socio-political themes. Key releases as of November 2025 include:| No. | Title | Release Year | Featured On/Album | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voice of the Voiceless | 2020 | Single | Debut track critiquing casteism; over 1.8 million YouTube views.[2] |
| 2 | Bhoomi | 2020 | Single | Addresses land rights and marginalization. |
| 3 | Vaa | 2021 | Single | Invitation to resistance and unity. |
| 4 | Narabali | 2021 | Nayattu (soundtrack) | Contributes to themes of police brutality. |
| 5 | Social Criminal | 2023 | Single | Satirical take on societal norms. |
| 6 | La Vida | 2023 | Single | Collaboration with KSHMR and Dabzee; multilingual rap. |
| 7 | Kuthanthram | 2024 | Manjummel Boys (soundtrack) | Multilingual track on friendship and struggle; over 50 million streams; Best Lyricist award winner.[3] |
| 8 | Theruvinte Mon | 2024 | Single (with Hrishi) | Explores street life and identity. |
| 9 | Kondal Vedan Song | 2024 | Kondal (soundtrack) | Nautical-themed resistance anthem. |
| 10 | Muana Loa | 2025 | Single (with AZWIN) | Fastest track to 10 million streams; volcanic metaphor for inner strength. |
| 11 | Vaada Veda | 2025 | Narivetta (soundtrack) | Promise of justice in a thriller context. |